The Orem/Lindon Rotary Club Members and Utah Valley University Rotaractors conducted a meaningful community service activity on the morning of March 23, 2026, through a dictionary donation event at Timpanogos Academy. This initiative reflected Rotary’s long-standing commitment to promoting literacy and education among young students. Members of the club visited the school to distribute eighty dictionaries to students, along with Rotary Club pins, creating an engaging and memorable learning experience. The event served as both an educational opportunity and a demonstration of community partnership between local organizations and schools.
The presentation was led by Cathy Ambrose, the Rotary Club President, who explained the purpose and value of the dictionaries being donated. She emphasized that these resources would support students in developing essential language skills, including understanding definitions, improving pronunciation, and strengthening spelling abilities. Cathy Ambrose highlighted how access to a physical dictionary can encourage independent learning and curiosity, allowing students to explore language in a more interactive and meaningful way. Her remarks underscored the Rotary Club’s broader mission to support education and empower young learners with practical tools for academic success.
Cathy Ambrose sharing her wisdom on dictionaries.
In addition to Erynn Lammi, Utah Valley University Rotaract President and Baktybek Abdrisaev, Orem-Lindon Rotarian, several instructors from Timpanogos Academy were present during the event, including Kate Thompson, Sarah Clyde, and Chere Hutchings. Their presence reinforced the importance of collaboration between educators and community organizations in fostering student development. The instructors actively participated in the distribution and supported the students as they received their dictionaries and Rotary pins. This interaction created a positive and encouraging atmosphere, helping students feel supported by both their teachers and community leaders.
The dictionary giveaway itself was well organized and impactful. Each student received a dictionary, which they could immediately begin to use in their classroom and at home. The addition of Rotary Club pins further connected students to the idea of community service and civic responsibility. By combining educational resources with symbolic items, the Rotary Club helped create a lasting impression that extended beyond the immediate benefits of the dictionaries.
Several important lessons emerged from this experience. One key takeaway was the value of community involvement in education, particularly when local organizations take an active role in supporting schools. Another was the importance of foundational literacy skills, which remain essential for academic growth and long-term success. The event also demonstrated how simple initiatives, such as donating dictionaries, can have a meaningful and lasting impact on students.
Cathy Ambrose, Katie Thompson, Sarah Clyde, and Chere Hutchings.
Overall, the Orem/Lindon Rotary Club’s visit to Timpanogos Academy was a successful and impactful event that highlighted the importance of literacy, community engagement, and educational support. It reinforced the idea that when community leaders and educators work together, they can create enriching opportunities that benefit students both academically and personally. This experience strengthened my appreciation for service-oriented initiatives and their role in building stronger, more connected communities.
Erynn Lammi, Utah Valley University Rotaract President
